Ten New Schools Authorized to Offer International Baccalaureate Program

Ten more Nova Scotia high schools are now authorized to offer one of the world's most respected pre-university diploma programs.

More than 300 students from across the province are already enrolled in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which will begin in Grade 11 this September.

The province's candidate schools have been formally notified by the Geneva-based International Baccalaureate Organization.

"This is wonderful news," said Education Minister Karen Casey. "The IB diploma program will provide a rewarding advanced-course option to all interested students in Grade 11 and 12 who are looking for a challenge."

No other province or state has launched the IB diploma program in so many schools at one time.

The authorizations, which give each of the candidate schools permission to teach the IB curriculum, cap a two-year application process that began in 2005.

"We are very happy to have these schools on board," said Brad Richardson, regional director of the International Baccalaureate Organization. "We are extremely pleased and impressed with Nova Scotia's commitment to rigorous high school education and to international mindedness."

In September, Nova Scotia will have 12 public schools offering the diploma. Sydney Academy and Park View Education Centre, in Bridgewater, already offer the diploma.

The 10 high schools offering IB for the first time are:

• Avon View, Windsor;
• Cobequid Education Centre, Truro;
• Charles P. Allen, Bedford;
• Citadel, Halifax;
• Prince Andrew, Dartmouth;
• Cole Harbour District, Cole Harbour;
• Halifax West, Halifax;
• Dr. John Hugh Gillis, Antigonish;
• Yarmouth Consolidated, Yarmouth;
• Northumberland Regional, Westville.

The IB program is a internationally recognized, advanced liberal arts diploma designed for ambitious students in grades 11 and 12.

Cobequid Education Centre principal Rosalie Stewart-Fisher said a lot of preparation is going into getting CEC ready for this September.

"CEC has extremely competent IB teaching staff, capable students, and supportive parents who are looking forward to this program with anticipation," she said.

The program is open to any student, but to do well, students must be highly motivated. There is a heavy reading requirement and an extensive homework load.

The diploma emphasizes critical thinking and analysis, writing and oral communication, philosophy, community service, athletics, and internationalism.

IB graduates are highly sought after by universities eager for students who have met an international standard of excellence.

The department will invest $862,000 this year to expand the IB program to all school boards. The commitment to significantly expand access to the IB program was promised in Learning for Life II, the province's plan for education.